Two contrasting reports from Afghanistan on attempts to create local police and military forces capable of controlling the troubled country when the US and NATO leaves.

Afghan Special Ops Units May Be Key to US Exit

(Associated Press: 0851 PT, May 10, 2011) US personnel have been training and fighting alongside Afghan special operations forces. The development of such commandos may be key if Americans are to reduce their presence in the country.

Politics Dominate Afghan Police Force

(Al Jazeera English: 0238 PT, May 10, 2011) The Afghan Local Police (ALP) has been expanding fast across the country over the past year. Community-based units, they are seen as a pet project of NATO commander General David Petraeus, who has described the ALP as having a significant impact. But the police force has also faced allegations of theft, abduction and intimidation. Al Jazeera's James Bays reports from Maidan Wardak province.

(Euronews: 0547 PST, March 29, 2011) Gunmen fighting Ivory Coast's incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo have been patrolling the streets of Abobo, Abidjan. Known as the 'invisible commandos', the militia control large parts of the city. Gbagbo is also struggling to contain a separate rebel advance from the north.

Forces loyal to Gbagbo's electoral rival Alassane Ouattara have now reportedly seized the towns of Duekoue, Daloa, and Bondoukou after opening several fresh military fronts from their northern powerbase.